I grew up thinking coleslaw stayed stuck to picnic plates, heavy and a little too sweet. Then I learned a lighter way and now this coleslaw recipe makes weeknights easier. The mix stays crisp, the dressing tastes bright, and the bowl gets empty fast. You can toss it last minute and it still lands right. Here is what I love. This coleslaw recipe healthy option uses a clean dressing with apple cider vinegar, Dijon, maple, and a little olive oil. The cabbage and carrots bring crunch and color. I add green onion and a handful of herbs for lift. It works for cookouts, tacos, and lunch boxes. We eat it on repeat and I do not miss the heavy stuff. If you meal prep, this works by your side. It fits with simple healthy breakfast plans when you pack a jar for later. It plays nice with simple healthy chicken recipes from the grill. It finishes simple healthy desserts without stealing the show. It packs into simple healthy lunches and still tastes fresh by noon. For friends who ask for a homemade coleslaw recipe I point them here and smile.
Table of Contents
- 1 Key Takeaways
- 2 Easy Simple Healthy Coleslaw Recipe
- 3 Ingredients for Simple Healthy Coleslaw
- 4 How to Make Simple Healthy Coleslaw
- 5 Tips for Making Simple Healthy Coleslaw
- 6 Making Simple Healthy Coleslaw Ahead of Time
- 7 Storing Leftover Coleslaw
- 8 Try these side dishes next
- 9 Simple Healthy Coleslaw
- 10 Nutrition
1 Key Takeaways
I love a good coleslaw recipe and I bet you do too. This coleslaw recipe keeps crunch high and fuss low. I keep cabbage thin, the dressing bright, and the bowl clean by the end. On Nancy Cooks we test fast home food and we keep it friendly. I am Nancy and this is our plan from my kitchen at https nancycooks com. The main dish smiles and the slaw tags along.
The mix feels light. Apple cider vinegar snaps. Dijon gives body. Maple sweetens a touch. Olive oil rounds it out. The fork brings a cool bite that sits well next to smoky grill marks. I call it the easy coleslaw recipe that never lingers on the plate. best coleslaw recipe works here too and fits the same bowl.
We pair it with fish tacos and roasted chicken. We pile it on sandwiches. We pack it for picnics. It checks boxes for coleslaw recipe healthy goals without losing joy. It slots into simple healthy lunches and keeps for the next day. Friends ask for the homemade coleslaw recipe and I send them here.
2 Easy Simple Healthy Coleslaw Recipe
We start with two cabbages. Green brings mellow crunch. Purple pops with color. Carrot adds sweet bite. I slice thin and I pause to taste. The chop matters here. Close cuts keep texture even and the fork glides clean.
The dressing stays light and clear. Vinegar leads. Dijon holds the mix. Maple softens the edges. Olive oil gives gloss. A pinch of salt wakes it up. A grind of pepper settles it down. I whisk until it looks smooth and silky. Then I breathe. Then I pour.
We toss with tongs. We wait a minute. The slaw drinks a bit and the bowl quiets. Now the bite feels crisp yet relaxed. This plays well with simple healthy chicken recipes from the grill and even sits beside simple healthy desserts without stealing shine. That balance keeps me loyal to this pan free path.
3 Ingredients for Simple Healthy Coleslaw
Green cabbage I use a firm head and slice it thin for a clean crunch and a mild, sweet base that lets the dressing speak.
Purple cabbage I shave ribbons for color and snap. It brings a peppery note that brightens each forkful.
Carrot I grate one large carrot. It adds gentle sweetness and a tender chew that breaks up the crunch.
Green onion I slice the whites and greens. They give a soft bite that fades fast and keeps the bowl balanced.
Fresh herbs I reach for cilantro or parsley. A small handful brings lift and a fresh nose that says spring.
Apple cider vinegar I like its clean tang. It cuts through fat from whatever sits next to the slaw.
Dijon mustard I whisk it in for body. It helps the oil and vinegar hold hands and stay smooth.
Pure maple syrup I add a small spoon. It steadies the acid and supports the cabbage without turning the bowl sweet.
Extra virgin olive oil I pour a light stream. It adds shine and a soft round feel that coats each thread.
Fine sea salt and black pepper I season in small steps and taste as I go so the slaw hits that clear, bright point.
Celery seed optional I like a pinch for a classic deli echo. It nudges the flavor toward easy summer days.
4 How to Make Simple Healthy Coleslaw
Step 1 Stack the cabbage halves cut side down. Slice into thin shreds. Grate the carrot. Add both to a wide bowl with the herbs and green onion.
Step 2 In a small bowl whisk vinegar, Dijon, maple, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mix looks glossy and even.
Step 3 Pour the dressing over the vegetables. Toss with tongs from the bottom up so every strand gets a light coat.
Step 4 Taste for salt and brightness. Add a pinch of salt or a splash of vinegar if the flavor feels quiet.
Step 5 Rest the bowl for five minutes. The slaw softens just enough yet keeps crunch. Serve and watch it go fast.
Step 6 For taco night hold back a cup to top shells later. For sandwiches press a scoop on toasted bread for extra snap.
5 Tips for Making Simple Healthy Coleslaw
Slice close and even. Thin shreds make the bite neat and kind. A heavy chop fights the fork. A fine chop plays nice. Small work now saves you later.
Balance the dressing. If the mix leans sharp add a small spoon of maple. If it leans flat add a splash of vinegar. If it feels heavy whisk in a teaspoon of cold water to lighten the coat.
Use cold produce. Chill the cabbage before slicing and the crunch jumps. For heat lovers toss in a few chili flakes. For taco cravings add a squeeze of lime. For party trays sprinkle toasted seeds for extra texture.
6 Making Simple Healthy Coleslaw Ahead of Time
Meal prep loves this bowl. I pack the vegetables and the dressing in separate containers. On the day I toss and eat. The crunch holds and the color stays bright.
For longer holds I salt the cabbage lightly and set it in a colander for ten minutes. I pat it dry. This step pulls a little water and keeps the bowl from puddling. It helps when the slaw rides to a picnic.
This plan fits simple healthy breakfast spreads when you tuck a jar next to hard boiled eggs. It pairs with simple healthy lunches like grilled chicken wraps. It even finishes a plate next to simple healthy desserts without crowding them.
7 Storing Leftover Coleslaw
I store leftovers in a tight container. The fridge keeps it crisp for two days. Give it a quick toss before serving. Add a splash of vinegar if the flavor softens.
If you plan for sandwiches tomorrow hold a small jar of dressing on the side. Toss a spoon in right before you build. The texture feels fresh and the bread stays tidy.
For taco night rewarm the tortillas and mound the slaw high. The contrast sings. That is the charm of a smart coleslaw recipe that works across meals and days.
8 Try these side dishes next
9 Simple Healthy Coleslaw
Simple Healthy Coleslaw coleslaw recipe
Ingredients
For the Slaw
- 6 cups thinly sliced green cabbage
- 2 cups thinly sliced purple cabbage
- 1 cup grated carrot
- 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted seeds sunflower or pumpkin optional
For the Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup or honey
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon celery seed optional
Instructions
- Add green and purple cabbage, carrot, herbs, and green onion to a large bowl.
- Whisk vinegar, Dijon, maple, olive oil, salt, pepper, and celery seed in a small bowl until smooth.
- Pour dressing over the slaw. Toss with tongs until the vegetables look evenly glossed.
- Taste and add a pinch more salt or vinegar if needed.
- Top with toasted seeds if using. Serve right away or chill for 15 minutes for extra crunch.
10 Nutrition
One cup holds about one hundred fifty calories. Fat sits near ten grams from olive oil. Carbs land near fifteen grams from cabbage and carrot. Fiber hits four grams. Protein sits near two grams. Sodium stays moderate when you season with care. Numbers vary by brand and by your hand at the bowl.
Recipe by Nancy at Nancy Cooks. Find more at https nancycooks com. We keep home food clear and kind and we test each step so you can cook with calm.
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